To determine optimal exercise prescription parameters for Schroth training in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis by examining dose-response relationships between exercise frequency, duration, and specific clinical outcomes such as Cobb angle and quality of life.
Key Findings:
Schroth exercises produced significant improvements in Cobb angle (SMD = -0.52, p < 0.0001).
Moderate exercise frequency (3–4 sessions/week) showed the largest pooled effect (SMD = -0.58).
Medium duration interventions (46–75 min) provided the most precise improvements (MD = -2.92°).
Combination of moderate frequency and medium duration yielded the most robust results (SMD = -0.65).
Non-significant improvements were observed in health-related quality of life outcomes, with substantial heterogeneity.
Interpretation:
Moderate frequency and medium duration Schroth exercises may optimize Cobb angle improvement in AIS, with diminishing returns at higher frequencies, suggesting a need to reassess conventional exercise prescriptions.
Limitations:
Findings require validation through prospective studies with pre-specified dose-stratification.
Need for examination of long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and patient adherence across diverse healthcare contexts, such as outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers.
Conclusion:
Optimal parameters for Schroth training in AIS involve moderate frequency and medium duration exercises, highlighting the necessity for further research to support broader clinical implementation.
